White Oleander [WS] [DVD] [2002]

Expected to bring in both big box office and Oscar nominations (it did neither), White Oleander is the kind of film that generally goes further on home video than in the theaters. The DVD is a mix, though, as the image, framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic (there is a full-frame version also available) lacks good detail. It's soft, but not a horrible distraction, since the actual transfer is nearly perfect. Colors are somewhat muted, though possibly intentional for effect. As for the 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, it's nothing to get to excited about. Surrounds are basically nonexistent, though dialogue is clear and distinguishable. Fortunately, giving it some life, the bass does go into effect at very appropriate times, creating a deep sonic result. Though far from a special edition, Warner has included a number of extras. First off is a scene-specific commentary track from director Peter Kosminsky, producer John Wells, and author Janet Fitch. Next is a standard Hollywood PR piece, entitled "The Journey of White Oleander," which means you get as many scenes from the film as actual interviews. It doesn't amount to a whole lot. In addition to this is another brief featurette, called (excitingly enough) "The Making of White Oleander." There's little variation between these two though, and seems odd to need both. Also included are six deleted scenes, along with some cast and crew information, and the theatrical trailer.

Synopsis

White OleanderThe Oprah Book Club best-seller by Janet Fitch makes it to the big screen in this adaptation from British director Peter Kosminsky. White Oleander recounts the traumatic adolescence of Astrid Magnusson (Alison Lohman), who finds herself an orphan after her short-fused, enigmatic artist mother Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) is carted off to prison on murder charges. Astrid first finds herself in the care of Starr (Robin Wright Penn), a garish, born-again mother of two with a gruff but sensitive boyfriend (Cole Hauser). From there, she's shunted back to a state-run facility, where she tangles with other troubled teens and finds temporary solace in the arms of Paul (Patrick Fugit), a dough-faced comic book artist with dreams of moving to New York City. Astrid then lucks into a living arrangement with a successful but insecure actress (Renee Zellweger) who offers her unconditional love. But Ingrid's stifling influence continues to haunt her daughter, whether through the occasional prison visit or via manipulative letters to Astrid's caretakers. White Oleander received a Gala North American premiere at the 2002 Toronto Film Festival before reaching multiplexes later that fall. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi

One of my favorites

February 27, 2016

This is one of my favorite movies. I read the book after watching it and actually found that the movie is so well done, I preferred the movie over the book - usually people say movies do not compare to the books. I feel the things in the book that were left out of the movie were appropriately left out.

Good Adaptation

August 29, 2007

I watched the film BEFORE reading the book, so maybe that is why I enjoyed the film. By all means, this is not a happy movie and you should only watch it if it is your type of movie. Well acted and a good story.
Overall I enjoyed it, but the book is much better, as usual.
I still highly recommend the movie.

Great drama movie
Posted by: Kiki from: on Interesting movie about a young girl in the foster system trying to find herself

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

One of my favorites
Posted by: Lux11871 from: on This is one of my favorite movies. I read the book after watching it and actually found that the movie is so well done, I preferred the movie over the book - usually people say movies do not compare to the books. I feel the things in the book that were left out of the movie were appropriately left out.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Heart Wrenching
Posted by: heatherbabyblue from: on This movie will make you feel all types of emotions. I recommend this to anyone.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Excellent movie
Posted by: Haley1218 from: NP, Florida on If you like dramas this is the movie for you! Excellent acting and screenplay.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Great drama movie
Posted by: Kiki from: on A great movie about the trials and tribulations a teenager goes through in the foster system

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

4

Good Adaptation
Posted by: Kels from: Oregon on I watched the film BEFORE reading the book, so maybe that is why I enjoyed the film. By all means, this is not a happy movie and you should only watch it if it is your type of movie. Well acted and a good story.
Overall I enjoyed it, but the book is much better, as usual.
I still highly recommend the movie.